Well, here I am again. Finally on track with work, involved in a health challenge program at church. Weather is still rainy and gray and wet and depressing and...and...and.
My prayer is PLEASE: Bring us the SUN! No wonder NW'ers are sun worshipers!
Even my cat is cranky!
Well, son is out of Iraq and will be home soon. DIL is visiting her new nephew! So precious! Whew! I feel their anxiety and excitement to start the new phase of 'the rest of their lives' and get on with life outside the Navy!
I'm so proud to hear that my D and SIL are getting all that really HARD, NASTY remodeling work done on their bathroom. I know it will be really beautiful when it is finished! They do wonderful work between the two of them!
We had a funny incident with one of our 4-5 year old preschoolers the other day. Our SLP is pg and as we were out in the hall playing a 'Simon Says' type game, he seemed to take a long look at her and said tentatively: "What...what's wrong wif yoursef......your...your tummy.....and (at this point he put his hands on his behind) and...and......(as though he's hesitating to say "butt")...ALL of you?"
It was all I could do not to fall on the floor laughing, he was so serious! She said to him, "Yes, my tummy is getting bigger because there's a baby inside." and all the kids were dead silent and just looked at her......you have to realize she's 5'11", so they were really looking UP and their little mouths dropped open. Then the moment passed and we went on. But, oh, what a laugh we had afterward. This little child is one who is shy socially and doesn't have a lot of good social skills, but he was really working on it!
In another incident related to her pregnancy, she was adjusting her body and clothing to sit on one of the little chairs and said to her small group, "You may have noticed my tummy getting bigger. That's because there's a baby growing inside." One child was silent for a minute or so, then asked wonderingly, "How did you get it in your mouth?" Yet another "Kids say the darndest things" moment!!!!
Kids are so beautiful in their innocence. I really treasure working with them and opening their world to them as truthfully and beautifully as I can, with lots of FUN thrown in there.
At this point, I also have to apologize to my children for not giving them more FUN in their childhoods. I was much too serious as a parent! But now, when they are ready to be parents (remember, once a parent, always a parent!) I will make a fantastic Grandma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm in the midst of this 'next generation' as many of my colleagues, who are the age of my children, are having their first babies; I work with babies as well. So I've been roaming the baby sections of the stores I visit, checking on the latest and most innovative things to keep baby happy! I still believe that adoring parents (who set appropriate limits!) and the simplest of playthings is best! (Including, dirt, water, balls, pots and pans, paper, bubbles, Time with parents to play on the floor, puppies and kitties, etc.)
Well, my home visit this a.m. was cancelled as there was a bomb scare at the high school near where this family lives. SO...here I am at the office. I have lots to do here, too, but couldn't resist taking some time to update the blog. I finally get my cable internet on Monday and I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Off to lunch.....hmmm, diet starts next Sunday, so today I'll have..........
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Monday, January 09, 2006
back at the ranch...
My winter break from work is over and I've begun again. I'm glad to be back on a regular schedule, as it was rather lonely without the company of my kids over the break. They visited in-laws, other family out of state. I have to resolve myself to this, as it is life.....roots to wings...and all that. I had some opportunity to visit with friends and did not spend Christmas alone, but it isn't the same as having your own special kids around.
It is really a dicotomy, this being overwhelmed with social-ness or being alone. When my kids were small, I thought I'd lost my 'self': I thought I was going crazy. As I was so busy, I hardly had time to sleep, let alone 'reflect' and 'pause' for R&R. I don't really know how it has all happened like it has,why I made some really stupid choices along the way. I praise God for the blessings...my two and their loving spouses...and the fact He's saved me from completely destroying them and me! I'm glad He's loving and forgiving.
When I'm home alone I get all stuck to the couch and end up perseverating on clicking the TV remote. It's bad. That leads to more snacking, less nutrition and exercise....you get the picture. So I'm really glad to be back in the routine of life and working, again. There is something to be said for work. God did give it to us to help us maintain sanity. Of course it could be used the wrong way, as with anything else in life. Moderation......it all takes moderation, or balance, if you like that term better. It is taking me a lifetime to learn that balance.
I just heard today that brain research is telling us that the neural pathways we use to watch TV and play video games are the same used when we use drugs/alcohol......makes sense to me. It is just as addicting and just as destructive. I don't have the research proof at this point, so don't quote me. Even if it isn't scientifically proven, it is an interesting point to ponder. I sure think the students I work with are affected similarly.
It is already dark and I need to drive home in the rain. Not just 'rain' but downpour, 24/7 gray NW rain. Ugh. At least the classrooms are brightly lit. I'm sorry, but low light, even for 'romantics' is not for me. Light up the world! (This is January in O!)
I'm rattling on. I don't have internet at home right now, as I'm tranferring from dial up to cable and I have to save a few more pennies. One step at a time. It is frustrating to have no internet at all at home; makes me feel isolated from the world...even with lots of traffic swishing by my place 24/7!
Happy New Year to you and yours!
PS I finally did get my Christmas decor put away!
It is really a dicotomy, this being overwhelmed with social-ness or being alone. When my kids were small, I thought I'd lost my 'self': I thought I was going crazy. As I was so busy, I hardly had time to sleep, let alone 'reflect' and 'pause' for R&R. I don't really know how it has all happened like it has,why I made some really stupid choices along the way. I praise God for the blessings...my two and their loving spouses...and the fact He's saved me from completely destroying them and me! I'm glad He's loving and forgiving.
When I'm home alone I get all stuck to the couch and end up perseverating on clicking the TV remote. It's bad. That leads to more snacking, less nutrition and exercise....you get the picture. So I'm really glad to be back in the routine of life and working, again. There is something to be said for work. God did give it to us to help us maintain sanity. Of course it could be used the wrong way, as with anything else in life. Moderation......it all takes moderation, or balance, if you like that term better. It is taking me a lifetime to learn that balance.
I just heard today that brain research is telling us that the neural pathways we use to watch TV and play video games are the same used when we use drugs/alcohol......makes sense to me. It is just as addicting and just as destructive. I don't have the research proof at this point, so don't quote me. Even if it isn't scientifically proven, it is an interesting point to ponder. I sure think the students I work with are affected similarly.
It is already dark and I need to drive home in the rain. Not just 'rain' but downpour, 24/7 gray NW rain. Ugh. At least the classrooms are brightly lit. I'm sorry, but low light, even for 'romantics' is not for me. Light up the world! (This is January in O!)
I'm rattling on. I don't have internet at home right now, as I'm tranferring from dial up to cable and I have to save a few more pennies. One step at a time. It is frustrating to have no internet at all at home; makes me feel isolated from the world...even with lots of traffic swishing by my place 24/7!
Happy New Year to you and yours!
PS I finally did get my Christmas decor put away!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Well, here we are. Another year all scribbled over with multiple happenings, a few joyful and a few heart wrenching. Mostly, perseverance shows through, as we slog through our lives day by day.
Today, I actually threw OUT the last of the goodies from Christmas. The torrential rains stopped and the clouds lifted a little (still overcast, though) and I just HAD to get out and walk. I had a bad case of cabin fever from running from the garage to the house and staying inside to stay dry. The rivers and streams are at flood stage, many overflowing their banks. (I wish my bank would overflow...not with water, but with $!). So I took my usual route to the park, today, and then walked down to the river's edge.....not so far away! The riverside condos lower garage was totally empty in prep for possible flooding and the park's dimensions were quite limited! Several picnic tables had water up to the top of the tables. Benches peaked through the water. Around the bridge lots of debris had collected. That can't be good for the bridge, as it is crumbling and there is lots of discussion about what kind of bridge to replace it with. Ah, bureacracy! I hope someone doesn't end up dying because of their political agendas!
My walk was just what I needed! I breathed in the fresh cool air and warmed up enough to peel off the top coat layer! I probably walked about 3.5-4 miles. I wore my Navy sweatsuit; I always get lots of smiles and 'hellos' when I wear it. I wear it proudly for my son! I double backed through the path in the park. I heard all the little chicadees and winter birds and saw a lot of squirrels. Even the sound of the breeze blowing through the tall firs and pines was heavenly! Most people had already walked their dogs, so the squirrels were out nibbling on all the little seeds, etc. They didn't even seem afraid of me, but would simply turn their backs when they saw me......out of sight, out of mind!
I didn't see any unusual birds or the herons and eagles I like to see. I think they were in the shallows, and over fields, instead of the marsh, as it was also quite deeply flooded.
Its a good way to start the new year. One more week of partial time off work and then it is full time again. I could really get used to working 2.5 days a week. When can I retire?
I came back and fixed myself my special, healthy waffles while I ate a really yummy, juicy orange! I added real maple syup for the sweetener.......Yummmmmmmmmm. Crispy and with that wonderful heart shape from the waffle iron I got from my kids! So fun!
Today, I actually threw OUT the last of the goodies from Christmas. The torrential rains stopped and the clouds lifted a little (still overcast, though) and I just HAD to get out and walk. I had a bad case of cabin fever from running from the garage to the house and staying inside to stay dry. The rivers and streams are at flood stage, many overflowing their banks. (I wish my bank would overflow...not with water, but with $!). So I took my usual route to the park, today, and then walked down to the river's edge.....not so far away! The riverside condos lower garage was totally empty in prep for possible flooding and the park's dimensions were quite limited! Several picnic tables had water up to the top of the tables. Benches peaked through the water. Around the bridge lots of debris had collected. That can't be good for the bridge, as it is crumbling and there is lots of discussion about what kind of bridge to replace it with. Ah, bureacracy! I hope someone doesn't end up dying because of their political agendas!
My walk was just what I needed! I breathed in the fresh cool air and warmed up enough to peel off the top coat layer! I probably walked about 3.5-4 miles. I wore my Navy sweatsuit; I always get lots of smiles and 'hellos' when I wear it. I wear it proudly for my son! I double backed through the path in the park. I heard all the little chicadees and winter birds and saw a lot of squirrels. Even the sound of the breeze blowing through the tall firs and pines was heavenly! Most people had already walked their dogs, so the squirrels were out nibbling on all the little seeds, etc. They didn't even seem afraid of me, but would simply turn their backs when they saw me......out of sight, out of mind!
I didn't see any unusual birds or the herons and eagles I like to see. I think they were in the shallows, and over fields, instead of the marsh, as it was also quite deeply flooded.
Its a good way to start the new year. One more week of partial time off work and then it is full time again. I could really get used to working 2.5 days a week. When can I retire?
I came back and fixed myself my special, healthy waffles while I ate a really yummy, juicy orange! I added real maple syup for the sweetener.......Yummmmmmmmmm. Crispy and with that wonderful heart shape from the waffle iron I got from my kids! So fun!
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